Teddy & Friends

Inclusive Playground

Teddy and Friends Inclusive Playground is a one-of-a-kind, board-game-themed play space designed to spark imagination while delivering true, thoughtful inclusion. Inspired by classic games like Candy Land, Chutes & Ladders, Connect Four, and chess, the playground transforms familiar tabletop fun into larger-than-life play opportunities that invite everyone to participate.

Located in Queeny Park in Ballwin, Missouri, this community playground was inspired by Theodore “Teddy” Gooch and his journey navigating traditional play spaces. During a visit to an inclusive playground built by Unlimited Play, everything changed. Teddy experienced the freedom of playing independently with his friends for the first time. That experience became the foundation for creating a playground that offers the same confidence and joy closer to home.

From the earliest design conversations through installation, this project prioritized true accessibility without sacrificing imagination or fun. In close collaboration with Little Tikes Commercial and Custom Studio, the team brought specialized play elements, themed rope events, interactive game-based features, and shade structures with tailored graphics to life. By aligning vision and logistics, the playground was completed in time for its grand opening, ready to welcome families from across the community.

Children spin a wheelchair-accessible playground carousel with a child in a mobility chair at an inclusive playground.

Unique Features

    • QR codes strategically placed throughout the playground link to short videos that demonstrate how different features are inclusive
    • Transfer stations, inclusive routes and graded access allow children using mobility devices to reach the heart of the play structure
    • Cozy retreat spaces provide calm areas for children who may become overstimulated
    • High-contrast colors and communication boards help guide children with visual or sensory differences
Children climb and play on a colorful playground structure with circular climbing panels, ladders, and shade sails on a sunny day.

Photos courtesy of Little Tikes Commercial.

Project Details

  • Location: Queeny Park, Ballwin, Missouri
  • Partners: Unlimited Play, Gooch Family 
  • Timeline: November 2024 – July 2025
  • Vendors: Little Tikes Commercial, Goric, Commercial Custom Studio, USA Shade, Percussion Play, Duraplay

I am thrilled to meet so many moms and dads that all have different, yet similar, obstacles with their kids. We all want what is best for ALL kids. Building an inclusive playground should be a norm. It needs to be our future. I am so grateful that I get to be part of this journey with these new moms I met. If we build it, they will ALL come.

The Gooch Family

Playground Partners